What Jesus Did! 'The Danger of Riches' — Luke 18:24-25

Friday, October 27, 2023

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When Jesus saw [that the rich man was sad when told he should surrender his wealth to help the poor, Jesus] said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
— Luke 18:24-25 NLT

Key Thought

While material riches can be a great blessing and can be used to bless many in need and to do great things for the Kingdom, riches may also be a trap for us. The Gospel of Luke lets us hear Jesus teach repeatedly about the danger of riches. [1] Jesus' point here is that riches can be an incredible danger to the heart of believers. This rich man was the living example of this danger. As the apostle Paul warned, greed and a desire for riches can become idolatry and destroy us. [2] Let's make sure that every area of our lives, including our use of material things, is yielded to the lordship of Jesus.

[1] Luke 1:52-53, 6:20, 24, 38, 8:14, 12:15-21, 12:31-34, 16:13-15, 18:22-23.
[2] Colossians 3:5-6.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your many material blessings. Help me use these blessings to your glory. I do not want anything to interfere with my total devotion to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 12:13-21
  • 1 Timothy 6:6-10
  • Colossians 3:5-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 18:24-25 NLT — "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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